Avril Lavigne

Under My Skin

Great CD

Review Score:

(8/10)
Avril's breakthrough album "Let Go" established her as the 'anti-Britney,' if you will, a semi-punk 'sk8er grrl' that sang songs that she might actually have had a hand in writing. Wow, honesty from a Canadian songbird that rapidly outgrew her Alanis-clone start to become an artist in her own right. Unfortunately, most artists' second album suffers from vapor lock -- all their good stuff that got them the record deal went on the first album, leaving them a bit short on the second outing. The very best recover from the 'sophomore slump' and go on to keep us rocking for years to come.

What's nice about Ms. Lavigne is that there's no slumping in this album. The anthemic "Don't Tell Me" could serve as a recruiting song for the abstinence crowd, and "My Happy Ending" compares favorably in maturity and power with "sk8er boi" or "I'm With You." The songs also compare favorably with more 'mature' singers such as Sheryl Crow, who uses the work of obscure poets for some of her lyrics. Avril doesn't have the depth of a Sarah McLachlan, but then again, she's not yet 20. Give her some time to mature and blossom, and we're likely to be awed by where she goes. Doubtful? Buy this album, and decide for yourself. While you're at it, pick up the "Avril Live Acoustic" EP, which is our heroine with her guitar and some light accompaniment -- no studio tricks, no multiple tracks, just the music and the artist responsible for it. You'll be glad you did.

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